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Electrical
No extract fan in downstairs wc.
Hi All,
We have renovated our house and converted the area under the stairs as small WC which doesn't have any windows. The electrician explained initially but now he refused by denying that we never spoke about it. I did query it with the builders and was fobbed off that they made a mistake putting one in his house as they had an over zealous electrican.
I have done some research and note that:
The Building Regulations 2010 Part F, Item 5.5 state that:
“Extract ventilation to outside is required in each kitchen, utility room and bathroom and for sanitary accommodation”
Therefore, an extract ventilation system should to be installed.
Now my developer is refusing to install an extractor fan, saying I dont need one as I have a window there in the living area.
I just wanted some guidance on this, is it or is not building regulations to have an extractor fan? and are they within their rights to refuse to action ?
Any help/guidance would be appreciated
6 Answers from MyBuilder Electricians
Best Answer
Sheffield • Member since 28 Jun 2016 • 67 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Hi sorry it’s not building regs to have a fan if you have a opening window in wc although any competent electrician would recommend installing a fan in a small downstairs wc, hope that helps!
Answered 7th Jun 2019
Lyme Regis • Member since 31 Oct 2017 • 1 job, 100% positive feedback
You initially say there is no window then you say the developer says there’s a window? Who is correct?
Answered 7th Jun 2019
Sunbury On Thames • Member since 19 Jun 2015 • 19 jobs, 89% positive feedback
If an existing w/c doesn’t have a fan then it’s not a regulation to have one installed. If it’s a new build or extension then yes you require a fan to be installed. Air Extractor fans in the w/c Regulations require a fan capable of a minimum extract capacity of 6 litres per second 21m3/hr (12CFM) when installed. If a room does not contain an openable window the fan should be fitted with a 15 minute over-run timer. Hope this helps
Answered 7th Jun 2019
Sam Horder Electrical Services
Taunton • Member since 22 Aug 2016 • 92 jobs, 100% positive feedback
As you have no window, then yes there should be ventilation. I would put this to the builder or the electrician (Depending who hired who) and strongly suggest that they 'finish the job' as per building regulations. How ever it seems that the builders are washing their hands of job. I assume you have paid them?
If you have no joy with the builder, find out who they are accredited with and contact them. They will make the builder finish the work or get someone else to do it, at their cost.
Same with the electrician and if they did any work in the room then you should at least have a minor works certificate. Technically, the builder should have put it on the plans, and the electrician should have fitted it. Both are at fault.
If they have no governing body then you will have to go through the council inspectors.
All this is how ever a lot of hassle. You may just be better off getting a recommended professional in to install the fan.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Answered 7th Jun 2019
East Kilbride • Member since 13 Mar 2017 • 20 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Sheffield • Member since 26 Jun 2017 • 38 jobs, 100% positive feedback
One aim of the building regs is to not make the building any worse than found. I would say that converting a room into a WC would go against that. Definitely required in a new build, but also in this instance. A window in the living area is not acceptable and irrelevant.
Answered 11th Jun 2019
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